Latest developments in MS research:
1. Discover the Consensus Statement on Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) for MS treatment.
2. Learn more about the latest advancements in neuroimaging in MS.
3. Read about the importance of personalised vaccination strategies to prevent COVID-19 risks in people with MS.
These noteworthy MS news highlights and more are included in our recently published ECTRIMS Research Updates – a 30-day snapshot of global news and publications on MS research, treatment, and care.
ECTRIMS Research Updates can be sent to you every month, delivered straight to your inbox, via our free subscription service. Simply select all “topics” that are of interest to you, and when one of those appears in our news and publication cycle, you’ll be sure to hear from us.
Stem Cells
Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder — Recommendations from ECTRIMS and the EBMT
Nature Reviews Neurology | March 2025
A Consensus Statement provides practical guidance and recommendations on the use of Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in MS and NMOSD.
Experts suggest that immune system “resetting” is the key way stem cell transplants help treating people with MS. Over time, better treatment protocols and patient selection have made the procedure safer and more effective.
In a Focused Workshop, ECTRIMS, with the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and lead representatives of ACTRIMS, endorses AHSCT in specific cases. It should be offered to appropriate candidates with relapsing-remitting MS after failure of high-efficacy disease modifying therapies (DMTs) but before the development of irreversible disability. AHSCT with adapted protocols can be considered for treatment refractory NMOSD.
Long-term neurological assessment, imaging data, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of individuals who undergo AHSCT should always be collected worldwide to collect enough data.
Imaging and Non Imaging Biomarkers
Advances in Neuroimaging of Multiple Sclerosis
Current Opinion in Neurology | March 2025
Emerging imaging techniques have become valuable tools for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment evaluation of MS.
This review provides an overview of the latest developments in neuroimaging for multiple sclerosis (MS), including current guidelines for the identification of paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) and slowly expanding lesions (SELs).
Key imaging studies have shown that choroid plexus enlargement may be associated with structural brain damage and clinical disability in individuals with MS. Moreover, glymphatic dysfunction has emerged as an early contributor to disease progression. The function of the glymphatic system can be assessed in vivo using diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS), which yields a quantifiable DTI-ALPS index.
The review also discusses the role of aging and comorbidities in shaping MS pathology, as these factors may complicate both diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. Notably, lifestyle interventions – particularly physical activity – may help mitigate the burden of comorbidities and improve MS outcomes.
COVID-19
Multiple Sclerosis and COVID-19: Interactions and Unresolved Issues
The Lancet Neurology | April 2025
People with MS face similar COVID-19 risks as the general population, making vaccination a key preventive measure.
Current evidence suggests that individuals with MS have a comparable risk of developing symptomatic COVID-19 as the general population. However, some factors do increase the chance of severe outcomes, including treatment with anti-CD20 drugs, having progressive MS, and higher levels of disability.
SARS-CoV-2 vaccination – which is safe for people with MS and does not increase the risk of relapses – is a crucial strategy in people with and without MS for preventing severe COVID-19.
Most people with multiple sclerosis (MS) show strong and lasting antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines, except those on anti-CD20 therapies or S1PR modulators. Cellular immune responses are generally comparable to the general population, with reduced responses mainly seen in individuals on S1PR modulators. Booster shots help restore antibody levels, though this is less effective for patients on anti-CD20 therapies.
Therefore, tailored approaches are essential for individuals with MS, especially those on anti-CD20 or S1PR therapies.
Women’s Health
Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: Comparison of the RESPONSE Study to the General French Population.
Multiple Sclerosis Journal | March 2025
A French prospective study reinforces the general message that pregnancy is normal in women with MS.
A prospective and contemporary study compares pregnancy in women with MS and the general population in France. The study offers reassuring data that pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women with MS are generally normal. While caesarian rates remain slightly higher, delivery methods align with the general population.
Breastfeeding remains less common among MS women and in France overall. Birthweights are comparable, but future research must explore the impact of DMT type and timing on outcomes. Long-term monitoring of children’s health and development until the age of 6, especially with early DMT exposure, is essential.